Virtual/remote chapters

The 2021-2022 academic year will continue to be affected by COVID-19. Here are recommendations for chapters with virtual/remote learning.

Virtual/remote chapters includes chapters that are not able to meet or interact in-person, including campuses that are fully closed or strictly locked down. The chapter should follow the college/university, local, and state/province regulations and recommendations.

In addition, here are DU's recommendations regarding various areas of chapter operations. 

Chapter Meetings
  • Stick to a regular, weekly schedule for chapter meetings. Knowing members will definitely see each other each Sunday at 7 p.m., for example, is helpful in managing a fully virtual schedule of classes and homework.
  • Continue to incorporate your regular chapter meeting traditions, such as Brother of the Week and gavel passes.
  • Avoid using the chapter meeting solely to read officer reports. Include small group discussions and check-ins, utilize Zoom breakout rooms, etc.
  • Invite alumni, faculty or campus staff members to serve as guest speakers during meetings or share updates on what’s going on in their world.
Recruitment
  • The good news is that recruitment has always been about getting to know individuals and forming connections, and it doesn’t have to be reliant on large recruitment events.
  • Meet in smaller groups with potential members via Zoom. Two or three members and two or three potential members.
  • Host larger events online, such as information sessions where potential members can learn about Delta Upsilon, history, chapter culture and more. Trivia games, video games and online sports watch parties are all opportunities to connect and recruit.
  • Remember to utilize your connections. Who are you meeting in class (even in remote classes) and how can you get to know them better and potentially introduce them to DU? Ask your friends, professors and staff on campus to recommend unaffiliated students who might be good potential members for DU.
  • Follow your college/university and IFC policies and recommendations for recruitment. Engage in any opportunities that are available, such as “Meet the Greeks” virtual fairs and orientation programs.
  • Check out the resources in the Virtual Recruitment section of our Virtual Programming page.
Associate Member Education
  • Utilizing the Delta Upsilon Associate Member Education workbook and facilitator guide will help in planning and executing a successful program for your newest members.
  • Check out the Virtual Associate Member Education section on of our Associate Member Education page for more resources.
  • Split up sessions to twice a week for an hour on Zoom (instead of once a week for two hours) to encourage engagement and lessen “Zoom fatigue.”
  • Now more than ever, the role of the Big Brother will be crucial in connecting associate members with the rest of the chapter and making them feel welcomed and comfortable.
  • Work with DU staff to plan your virtual Initiation Ceremony. several chapters have already done this, and it worked out great! Check out the Initiation Options section of our Associate Member Education page for more information. 
Social and Brotherhood Events
  • Split chapter into small groups of four to five and encourage them to do an activity together virtually. Consult the list of Brotherhood Event Ideas from the Chapter Resource page. Each week or two weeks mix up the groups so that brothers interact with different members.
  • Host a virtual mixer with another student organization or fraternity/sorority. Give the mixer a fun theme, dress up accordingly on Zoom and have an activity planned, like a murder-mystery event, Harry Potter trivia or cooking competition.
  • Offer brotherhood challenges each week, like who can take the best photo of their DU flag or who can learn to make a new recipe for their family or roommates.
Service and Philanthropy Events
  • Use the theme of “service where you are” to encourage members to find service opportunities in their local communities.
  • Food pantries, donation centers, blood drives, census reminders and voter registration drives are still in need of volunteers and some work can even be done remotely.
  • Ask senior centers if you can help with grocery shopping or errands for those who can’t leave their homes.
  • Consider philanthropy events that can be done remotely or with little in-person interaction, like letter-writing campaigns and online competitions or silent auctions.
Academics
  • Familiarize yourself with virtual academic support offerings, virtual tutoring and online educational sessions on topics like “how to succeed in online learning environments.”
  • Pair older and younger brothers by major into study buddy groups and encourage regular remote check-ins. This can be especially helpful for your associate members who are having to adjust to both college-level courses and a pandemic environment at the same time.
  • Regularly share resources and information with the chapter, including upcoming deadlines to change classes, register for classes, apply for graduation, etc. 
Intramurals
  • Research what type of intramurals are still being offered by the college/university. Get members to sign up for events like esports tournaments.
  • Challenge members to stay active by training to run a 5K or participating in online workout classes.
Campus Engagement
  • Chances are your college/university is working hard to provide opportunities for virtual learning and fun. Research upcoming events from the Student Activities team and get members to participate.
  • Send thank-you notes and letters of support to staff and faculty members to show appreciation from the chapter.
  • Remember that you are still representing Delta Upsilon, even if you’re at home or not near campus, so follow social distancing policies and guidelines and take care of yourself and each other.